Cash boost for NHS Western Isles

Allan Crow

NHS Western Isles is set to get an additional £1.1 million in the coming financial year.

The increase represents an uplift of 1.5%, bringing the board’s overall funding to £67.7 million.

The uplift includes £0.7 million for investment in social care as part of the on-going integration of health and social care.

In addition, NHS Western Isles will receive a share of £128 million to help support delivery of service reform. This extra funding will support the redesign of services so the NHS can meet the challenges of an ageing population.

The figures were announced by Shona Robison, Health Secretary.

She said:“This settlem ent represents a substantial additional investment in health services for the people of the Western Isles. It reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to continue to support our NHS with record levels of investment.

“However, I am also clear that this investment must be accompanied with service reform. We recognise that our growing elderly population means that we need to shift the focus of care towards the community, and that is what we’ll continue to do.

“It is nearly one year since we integrated health and social care across Scotland. This reform will enable us to support more people to remain independent for as long as possible, and receive care in the community rather than in hospital.

“Over the coming months we will be working with all health boards to help them develop sustainable financial plans for this year and beyond. Together we will ensure that this investment delivers better care, better services and better value.”